Deadline: 21-Jul-2026
The ESB Short Film Award Powering Possibility 2026 invites young filmmakers in Ireland aged 18–28 to submit original fiction or animated short film scripts inspired by electricity, energy, and innovation. The winning filmmaker or writer-director team will receive €18,000, professional mentoring, and the opportunity to premiere their completed film at the 25th Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) in February 2027.
About the ESB Short Film Award Powering Possibility
The ESB Short Film Award Powering Possibility was launched to celebrate ESB’s centenary and the 25th anniversary of the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF). The award supports emerging Irish filmmaking talent by providing funding, industry exposure, and professional mentorship to help bring original short film ideas to life.
The competition encourages young filmmakers to create compelling stories that explore the role of electricity, energy, innovation, people, and communities in shaping modern life. Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure or technology, applicants are encouraged to tell imaginative and meaningful stories inspired by these themes.
Award Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support emerging Irish filmmakers.
- Encourage original storytelling.
- Promote fiction and animated short films.
- Explore themes of electricity, energy, and innovation.
- Showcase new creative voices.
- Provide professional mentoring and industry exposure.
- Support production of high-quality short films.
- Celebrate creativity, technology, and community.
- Promote Irish filmmaking talent.
Award Benefits
The winning project will receive:
- €18,000 production funding.
- Up to three mentoring sessions with an experienced film industry professional.
- Professional development support throughout production.
- Premiere of the completed short film at the 25th Dublin International Film Festival during a special ESB showcase event in February 2027.
Competition Process
The competition follows several stages:
- Submit an original fiction or animation short film script.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by the selection panel.
- Ten projects are shortlisted.
- Shortlisted applicants participate in an online pitch training session.
- Finalists present their projects during a live public pitching event before national and international film industry professionals.
- One winning project is selected.
- The winning filmmaker receives production funding and mentoring.
- The completed film premieres at the Dublin International Film Festival.
Project Theme
Submitted projects should be inspired by:
- Electricity.
- Energy.
- Innovation.
- Human connection.
- Communities.
- Creativity.
- New ideas.
- Technology and everyday life.
Applicants are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively while presenting original and engaging stories.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be 18 to 28 years old on 21 July 2026.
- Be an Irish citizen or legal resident of Ireland.
- Submit an original fiction short film or animated short film.
- Submit scripts in Irish or English.
- Submit scripts in PDF format.
- Ensure projects are original, unproduced, and have not previously received funding.
- Submit applications electronically before the deadline.
Both individual filmmakers and writer-director teams are eligible.
Each applicant may submit up to two scripts.
Who is Not Eligible?
The following are not eligible:
- Employees of Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF).
- Employees of ESB.
- Immediate family members of DIFF employees.
- Immediate family members of ESB employees.
- Previously produced projects.
- Previously funded projects.
- Applications submitted after the deadline.
Project Requirements
Eligible projects must:
- Be fiction short films or animated short films.
- Be completely original.
- Be unpublished and unproduced.
- Not have received previous funding.
- Reflect the programme’s theme of electricity, energy, and innovation.
- Be submitted electronically in PDF format.
Important Timeline
Successful applicants should note the following milestones:
- Application submission before the published deadline.
- Online pitch training for shortlisted applicants.
- Live public pitch event.
- Production period following selection.
- Rough cut delivery by mid-January 2027.
- Final film delivery by late January 2027.
- Premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival in February 2027.
Why This Award Matters
The ESB Short Film Award provides emerging filmmakers with more than financial support.
The programme helps participants:
- Gain professional industry recognition.
- Develop pitching skills.
- Receive mentorship from experienced filmmakers.
- Build professional networks.
- Produce a professionally funded short film.
- Showcase work at a leading Irish film festival.
- Launch careers in film and animation.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Develop an original fiction or animation short film script.
- Ensure the story reflects the theme of electricity, energy, or innovation.
- Prepare the script in PDF format.
- Submit the application electronically before the deadline.
- If shortlisted, participate in the online pitch training.
- Present the project during the live public pitching event.
- If selected, produce the film with mentoring support.
- Deliver the rough cut and final film according to the programme schedule.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their chances by:
- Developing an original and memorable story.
- Exploring the theme creatively rather than literally.
- Creating strong, well-developed characters.
- Demonstrating clear storytelling.
- Preparing a professional screenplay.
- Practising presentation and pitching skills.
- Keeping the project realistic for a short film budget.
Common Application Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Submitting previously funded or produced projects.
- Failing to address the programme theme.
- Missing eligibility requirements.
- Uploading incorrect file formats.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Missing submission deadlines.
- Presenting unrealistic production plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the ESB Short Film Award Powering Possibility?
Irish citizens or legal residents of Ireland aged 18–28 by 21 July 2026.
What is the value of the award?
The winning project receives €18,000 for film production.
What types of films are eligible?
Original fiction short films and animated short films.
Can teams apply?
Yes. Individual filmmakers and writer-director teams are eligible.
How many scripts can be submitted?
Each applicant may submit up to two scripts.
What additional support does the winner receive?
The winner receives up to three professional mentoring sessions and premieres the completed film at the 25th Dublin International Film Festival.
What happens after the winner is selected?
The winning filmmaker develops and produces the film, submits a rough cut by mid-January 2027, delivers the final version by late January 2027, and premieres the film at the festival in February 2027.
Conclusion
The ESB Short Film Award Powering Possibility 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging filmmakers in Ireland to transform an original idea into a professionally produced short film. With €18,000 in production funding, expert mentoring, and a premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival, the programme provides valuable financial support, industry exposure, and career development for the next generation of Irish storytellers.
For more information, visit Dublin International Film Festival.
